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Mackie Park accessible features completed; PRC grant received for Overcase playground equipment
Summary
Staff reported BusyB has finished accessible table and landscaping work at Mackie Park and responded to two Architectural Access Board items (stone‑dust recompaction and bike‑rack relocation); the committee was told a PRC park grant (~$231,000) for Overcase playground equipment has arrived and will be presented to council for approval.
City staff told the Economic Development Committee that contractor BusyB completed accessibility features at Mackie Park, including handicapped‑accessible picnic tables (one with a chess/checkerboard top). The city has responded to an Architectural Access Board compliance notice and said two outstanding items remain: recompaction and maintenance of stone‑dust surfaces and relocating bike racks so a continuous concrete path leads from the street to the ramp.
Staff said DPW will permanently relocate the bike racks to the concrete edge to preserve approach space and will carry out annual compaction and maintenance of the stone dust as part of park upkeep.
On playground equipment funding, staff reported receipt of the PRC grant agreement for the Overcase (Ovola/Overcase) playground and said the grant is for about $231,000 to upgrade equipment; the grant is reimbursing, so the city must pre‑set accounts and then seek reimbursement after expenditures. Staff said the municipal grounds commission and DPW are coordinating selection and that the disability commission has been asked to provide input on playground design and accessibility.
Committee members urged proactive public outreach to gather input from families and disability advocates before equipment is ordered. Staff said they will coordinate public input channels and municipal‑grounds review before final purchases and installation. Separately, staff signed a notice to proceed yesterday for the South Gardener project and survey work will begin in the coming weeks.
